10 Things You Probably Don't Know About Medieval Knights...

Historians have drawn parallels between the Medieval Knight and the Ancient Roman "Equestrian Class." Both were noble men trained in equestrian battle and often used as leaders in warfare.

Medieval knights may have been trained to be warriors, but when it came to courtship they were known to be chivalrous. A knight tradition was to take a women's token such as a ribbon for good luck in competitions and battle and they even took a "Chivalry Oath" to become officially knighted at the age of 21.

This "Chivalry of Oath" was taken at the age of 21, after a whopping 14 years of knight training. Yes sons of noblemen were sent away to a knight training school at the young age of 7.

Knights jousting was often put on for the entertainment of Lords and even English Royalty, but it was not without serious risk. Serious injuries and even death was commonplace. If a knight was severely injured, the opposing knight may be told by the most senior spectator (usually a Lord or King) whether to kill the wounded knight with a gladiator-style thumbs up or down.

Knights were part of British elite society, and typically owned large estates that were run by surfs.

The heavy (often weighing 50 lbs or more) metal knight gear we often see in museums were typically used for public displays such as jousting and parades. These extremely heavy suits simply were regarded as highly fashionable but weren't practical for the battlefield, and so lighter versions, often made in chainmail style were used during war.

Knights didn't just ride any old horses. They rode specifically bred and trained horses for battle that were essentially trained to be fearless and even to kill. This type of horse was known as a "destrier."

Once awarded the title of Knight, they were known from then on as a "Sir."

If a knight was found to be dishonored, they could have their title taken away from them and part of this process involved chopping off their spurs hanging the shield upside down as a sign of dishonor.

While the knights aren't still around in the traditional sense, the title knighthood still very much exists today. Modern British people are still awarded the title of a knighthood, usually for having achieved extraordinary accomplishments.